Bag support assembly

ABSTRACT

A bag support assembly comprising a frame ( 20 ) that includes a pair of beams ( 22 ) and a plurality of tubes ( 38 ) that extend perpendicularly between the beams ( 22 ). Two pairs of vertical rails ( 50 ) are supported by disposition in the beams ( 22 ). A plurality of bags ( 62 ) present an opening ( 64 ) for being supported on the frame ( 20 ). A plurality of hoops ( 66 ) are each disposed about the openings ( 64 ). A connector bar ( 68 ) having a first side ( 70 ) and a second side ( 72 ) presents substantially parallel legs ( 74 ) for support by the frame ( 20 ). At least one hook ( 76 ) is attached to the first side ( 70 ) of the connector bar ( 68 ) and extends in the opposite direction from the legs ( 74 ) for positioning the hoops ( 66 ) to rest upon the connector bar ( 68 ) and to extend from the second side ( 72 ) of the connector bar ( 68 ) and over the connector bar ( 68 ) in the direction of the legs ( 74 ) to support the bags ( 62 ) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by the hook ( 76 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A bag support assembly.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The bag support assemblies of the type to which the subject inventionpertains include a frame for supporting at least one bag presenting anopening vertically above a surface. One such assembly is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,243,884 to Lawson et al., wherein a pair of spacedconnector bars each have a first side and a second side and are attachedto and supported by the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,283 to Redmon et al.further discloses a hoop to support the bag about the opening thereof.In addition, the frame disclosed in the Redmon et al. patent includesspaced front and rear connector bars having upturned lips for supportingthe removable bags.

Because assemblies such as these usually support the bags between spacedand generally parallel connector bars, it is necessary to lift the bagup and over the connector bars when attaching the bag to the assembly orremoving the bag from the assembly. Such assemblies can make itdifficult and awkward to maneuver heavy bags. Additionally, many of theprior art assemblies include components that are not easily disassembledand reassembled for ease of storage or shipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for such an assembly with at least one hookextending from the first side of the connector bar for receiving andpositioning the hoop to rest upon the connector bar and to extend fromthe second side of the connector bar in a cantilevered fashion whileretained by the hook.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention in its broadest aspect provides an assembly thateliminates the need for lifting the bags up and over the frame whenplacing bags on the frame or when removing bags. Additionally, theinvention is easily disassembled and reassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the engagement of thehoop over the connector bar;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one of the beams andtubes; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of one end of the assemblyshowing the second snap-pin connection of the connector bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, a bag support assembly constructedin accordance with the subject invention is shown in the Figures.

The bag support assembly comprises a frame 20, generally shown, in FIGS.1 and 2 that includes a pair of beams 22, generally indicated, fordisposition in parallel relationship to one another with each beam 22extending between linearly spaced extremities 24 and having a pair ofsides 26 and a top 28 and a bottom 30. The top 28 of each of the beams22 projects from an inner 32 of the sides 26 thereof to define a rim 34extending between the extremities 24 thereof. A plurality of femalereceptacles 36 are disposed on the inner 32 of the sides 26 of the beams22 and spaced from the rim 34 thereof.

The frame 20 includes a plurality of tubes 38 for extending in paralleland spaced relationship perpendicularly between the beams 22 to beretained in the female receptacles 36 for spacing the beams 22 inparallel and spaced relationship relative to one another. As shown inFIG. 4, a first snap-pin connection 40 releasably interconnects each ofthe female receptacles 36 and each of the tubes 38 to retain the tubes38 in the female receptacles 36 to maintain at least two of the beams 22in parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another, as shown inFIG. 1. Each of the extremities 24 of the beams 22 includes a rollermount 42 disposed on the bottom 30 of the beams 22. A plurality ofcaster wheels 44 are removably connected to the roller mounts 42 at theextremities 24 respectively for rolling the assembly over a surface 46,which is illustrated in FIG. 1. Each of the beams 22 also defines acavity 48 (FIG. 2) extending between the top 28 and the bottom 30 at aposition midway between the extremities 24.

The frame 20 additionally includes two pairs of vertical rails 50 fordisposition in parallel and spaced relationship and each having an upperend 52 and a lower end 54 for support by disposition in the cavity 48 ofthe beams 22. A lock collar 56, generally indicated, is attached to thelower end 54 of each pair of the vertical rails 50 for disposition inthe cavity 48 in each of the beams 22 respectively to support thevertical rails 50 in the beams 22. The lock collars 56 each include aflange 58 extending radially from the vertical rails 50 for overlyingthe top 28 of the adjacent one of the beams 22 with the vertical rails50 extending through and beyond the lock collars 56 and into the cavity48 therein. A tab 60 (FIGS. 2 & 4) extends transversely from the flange58 of each of the lock collars 56 for snapping engagement over and withthe rim 34 of the beam 22 for retaining the lock collar 56 to the beams22.

A plurality of bags 62, preferably of fabric, each being generallyquadrangular in shape (e.g., rectangular in cross section) present aquadrangular opening 64 for being supported on the frame 20. The bags 62may be rigid or flexible and comprise metals, organic polymericmaterial, and any other materials such as, but not limited to Nylon,Polyester, or paperboard. The bags 62 may be used for containinglaundry, toys, recycling items, without limitation. A plurality of hoops66 each defining a quadrangle for supporting one of the bags 62 abovethe surface 46 are disposed about the opening 64 thereof, each hoop 66having a circular cross section to present a round surface.

A connector bar 68 for attachment to the frame 20 extends between thepairs of the vertical rails 50 and parallel to the tubes 38. Theconnector bar 68 has a first side 70 and a second side 72 and isgenerally U-shaped to present substantially parallel legs 74 for supportby the frame 20.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 5, at least one hook 76 (e.g. invertedL-shape or inverted J-shape with a tongue extending outwardly from around bottom to engage a round hoop 66) is attached to the first side 70of the connector bar 68 and extends in the opposite direction from thelegs 74 for receiving and positioning the hoops 66 to rest upon theconnector bar 68 and to extend from the second side 72 of the connectorbar 68 and over the second side 72 of the connector bar 68 in thedirection of the legs 74 to support the bags 62 in a cantileveredfashion while retained by one or more of the hooks 76. The hoops 66 maybe oriented by the hooks 76 to extend horizontally over the connectorbar 68 as shown in FIG. 1, or the hooks 76 may extend high enough abovethe connector bar 68 so that the hoops 66 may be oriented to slantdownwardly over the connector bar 68 when engaged with the hooks 76, asshown in FIG. 5.

The frame 20 also includes a bracket 78 attached to the upper end 52 ofeach pair of the vertical rails 50. The brackets 78 extend transverselyin a cantilevered fashion across the upper end 52 of each pair of thevertical rails 50 and outwardly from one of the vertical rails 50 ofeach pair and define a socket 80 for receiving and supporting the legs74 of the connector bar 68. The brackets 78 each define a channel 82extending from the socket 80 and disposed over the other of each pair ofthe vertical rails 50 for nesting the legs 74 of the connector bar 68.

As best shown in FIG. 5, a second snap-pin connection 84 releasablyinterconnects each of the legs 74 of the connector bar 68 and the socket80 of the brackets 78 to retain the connector bar 68 in the brackets 78.In the present embodiment, the second snap-pin connection 84 is orientedto extend downwardly, however it could also extend in any radialdirection relative to the legs 74 of the connector bar 68.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings and may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of theappended claims. That which is prior art in the claims precedes thenovelty set forth in the “characterized by” clause. The novelty is meantto be particularly and distinctly recited in the “characterized by”clause whereas the antecedent recitations merely set forth the old andwell-known combination in which the invention resides. These antecedentrecitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which theinventive novelty exercises its utility. The use of the word “said” inthe apparatus claims refers to an antecedent that is a positiverecitation meant to be included in the coverage of the claims whereasthe word “the” precedes a word not meant to be included in the coverageof the claims. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims aremerely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag support assembly comprising; a frame (20)for supporting at least one bag presenting an opening (64) verticallyabove a surface (46), a connector bar (68) having a first side (70) anda second side (72) for attachment to and being supported by said frame(20), a hoop (66) for supporting said bag about said opening (64)thereof, and characterized by at least one hook (76) extending from saidfirst side (70) of said connector bar (68) for receiving and positioningsaid hoop (66) to rest upon said connector bar (68) and to extend fromsaid second side (72) of said connector bar (68) in a cantileveredfashion while retained by said hook (76).
 2. An assembly as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said hook (76) attaches to said first side (70) of saidconnector bar (68) for receiving and positioning said hoop (66) toextend from said hook (76) and over said connector bar (68) to supportsaid bags (62) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by said hook(76).
 3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connector bar(68) is generally U-shaped to present generally parallel legs (74) forsupport by said frame (20), said hook (76) extends in the oppositedirection from said legs (74) for positioning said hoop (66) to extendfrom said hook (76) and over said second side (72) of said connector bar(68) in the direction of said legs (74).
 4. An assembly as set forth inclaim 3 wherein said frame (20) includes a pair of beams (22) fordisposition in parallel relationship to one another with each beam (22)extending between linearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair ofsides (26) and a top (28) and a bottom (30), two pairs of vertical rails(50) for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and having anupper end (52) and a lower end (54) for support by said beams (22), abracket (78) attached to said upper end (52) of each pair of saidvertical rails (50), and each said bracket (78) extending transverselyin a cantilevered fashion across said upper end (52) of each pair ofsaid vertical rails (50) and outwardly from one of said vertical rails(50) of each pair and defining a socket (80) for receiving andsupporting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68).
 5. An assembly asset forth in claim 4 wherein said bracket (78) defines a channel (82)extending from said socket (80) and disposed over the other of each pairof said vertical rails (50) for nesting said legs (74) of said connectorbar (68).
 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further comprising asecond snap-pin connection (84) for releasably interconnecting each ofsaid legs (74) of said connector bar (68) and said socket (80) of saidbracket (78) to retain said connector bar (68) in said bracket (78). 7.An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame (20) includes apair of beams (22) for disposition in parallel relationship to oneanother with each beam (22) extending between linearly spacedextremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26) and a top (28) and abottom (30), and wherein said top (28) of each of said beams (22)projects from an inner (32) of said sides (26) thereof to define a rim(34) extending between said extremities (24) thereof.
 8. An assembly asset forth in claim 7 wherein each of said beams (22) defines a cavity(48) extending between said top (28) and said bottom (30) at a positionmidway between said extremities (24), two pairs of vertical rails (50)for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and having an upperend (52) and a lower end (54) for support by disposition in said cavity(48) of said beams (22).
 9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 furthercomprising a lock collar (56) attached to said lower end (54) of eachpair of said vertical rails (50) for disposition in said cavity (48) ineach of said beams (22) respectively to support said vertical rails (50)in said beams (22).
 10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein saidlock collars (56) each include a flange (58) extending radially fromsaid vertical rails (50) for overlying said top (28) of the adjacent oneof said beams (22) with said vertical rails (50) extending through andbeyond said lock collars (56) and into said cavity (48) therein.
 11. Anassembly as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a tab (60)extending transversely from said flange (58) of each of said lockcollars (56) for snapping engagement over and with said rim (34) of saidbeam (22) for retaining said lock collar (56) to said beams (22).
 12. Abag support assembly comprising; a frame (20) for supporting at leastone bag presenting an opening (64) vertically above a surface (46), aconnector bar (68) having a first side (70) and a second side (72) andfor attachment to and being supported by said frame (20), a hoop (66)for supporting said bag about said opening (64) thereof, at least onehook (76) extending from said first side (70) of said connector bar (68)for receiving and positioning said hoop (66) to rest upon said connectorbar (68) and to extend from said second side (72) of said connector bar(68) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by said hook (76), saidframe (20) including a pair of beams (22) with each beam (22) extendingbetween linearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26)and a top (28) and a bottom (30), two pairs of vertical rails (50) fordisposition in parallel and spaced relationship and having an upper end(52) and a lower end (54) for support by said beams (22), a bracket (78)attached to said upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50)for supporting said connector bar (68), and each of said beams (22)defining a cavity (48) extending between said top (28) and said bottom(30) for receiving said lower end (54) of a pair of said vertical rails(50).
 13. A bag support assembly comprising; a frame (20), said frame(20) including a pair of beams (22) for disposition in parallelrelationship to one another with each beam (22) extending betweenlinearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26) and atop (28) and a bottom (30), said top (28) of each of said beams (22)projecting from an inner (32) of said sides (26) thereof to define a rim(34) extending between said extremities (24) thereof, a plurality offemale receptacles (36) disposed on said inner (32) of said sides (26)of said beams (22) and spaced from said rim (34) thereof, said frame(20) including a plurality of tubes (38) for extending in parallel andspaced relationship perpendicularly between said beams (22) to beretained in said female receptacles (36) for spacing said beams (22) inparallel and spaced relationship relative to one another, a firstsnap-pin connection (40) for releasably interconnecting each of saidfemale receptacles (36) and each said tubes (38) to retain said tubes(38) in said female receptacles (36) to maintain at least two of saidbeams (22) in parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another,each of said extremities (24) of said beams (22) including a rollermount (42) disposed on said bottom (30) of said beams (22), a pluralityof caster wheels (44) removably connected to said roller mounts (42) atsaid extremities (24) respectively for rolling said assembly over asurface (46), each of said beams (22) defining a cavity (48) extendingbetween said top (28) and said bottom (30) at a position midway betweensaid extremities (24), said frame (20) including two pairs of verticalrails (50) for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and eachhaving an upper end (52) and a lower end (54) for support by dispositionin said cavity (48) of said beams (22), a lock collar (56) attached tosaid lower end (54) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) fordisposition in said cavity (48) in each of said beams (22) respectivelyto support said vertical rails (50) in said beams (22), said lockcollars (56) each including a flange (58) extending radially from saidvertical rails (50) for overlying said top (28) of the adjacent one ofsaid beams (22) with said vertical rails (50) extending through andbeyond said lock collars (56) and into said cavity (48) therein, saidframe (20) including a plurality of brackets (78) with each attached tosaid upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50), aconnector bar (68) for attachment to said brackets (78) to extendbetween the pairs of said vertical rails (50) and parallel to said tubes(38), a plurality of bags (62) each being generally quadrangular inshape to present a quadrangular opening (64) for being supported on saidconnector bar (68), a plurality of hoops (66) each for supporting one ofsaid bags (62) above said surface (46) about said opening (64) thereof,and characterized by a tab (60) extending transversely from said flange(58) of each of said lock collars (56) for snapping engagement over andwith said rim (34) of said beam (22) for retaining said lock collar (56)to said beams (22), said connector bar (68) being generally U-shapedhaving a first side (70) and a second side (72) to present generallyparallel legs (74) for support by said frame (20), said brackets (78)extending transversely in a cantilevered fashion across said upper end(52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) and outwardly from one ofsaid vertical rails (50) of each pair and defining a socket (80) forreceiving and supporting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68), saidbrackets (78) each defining a channel (82) extending from said socket(80) and disposed over the other of each pair of said vertical rails(50) for nesting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68), a secondsnap-pin connection (84) for releasably interconnecting each of saidlegs (74) of said connector bar (68) and said socket (80) of saidbrackets (78) to retain said connector bar (68) in said brackets (78),and at least one hook (76) attached to said first side (70) of saidconnector bar (68) and extending in the opposite direction from saidlegs (74) for receiving and positioning said hoops (66) to rest uponsaid connector bar (68) and to extend from said second side (72) of saidconnector bar (68) and over said second side (72) of said connector bar(68) in the direction of said legs (74) to support said bags (62) in acantilevered fashion while retained by said hook (76).